Water and NaCl consumption in Long-Evans rats (Rattus norvegicus) and Egyptian spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus) was examined after periods of acute water deprivation (0–100 h) and NaCl deprivation (via 0–10 mg/kg furosemide i.p.). Rats’ intake of water was monotonically related to the length of the deprivation period, with only nominal changes in water intake observed for spiny mice. NaCl intake for rats was also monotonically related to furosemide dose, again with only nominal changes in NaCl intake observed for spiny mice. The patterns of water and NaCl consumption for rats were in agreement with those reported previously, whereas similar observations have not been described for spiny mice. Differences in adaptation to deprivation states were attributed to the desert heritage and physiological characteristics of the spiny mouse.

Taste preferences for representatives of the four taste qualities and the taste of MSG were assessed for Long-Evans rats (Rattus norvegicus) and Egyptian spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus). The rats preferred hedonic concentrations of all salty and sweet tastants, as well as the taste of MSG, and rejected sour and bitter tastants. The spiny mice preferred water to salty tastants, approached some concentrations of sweet tastants, and rejected all others—including those readily ingested by rats.